The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday December 16th, 2022

[RedneckBob]

2 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Here we are waiting for tender call. 

Safe tendering. Keep those sunglasses on and I will find you.

[JazzyV]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily.

I'll salute Day of Reconciliation. Love most anything chocolate covered, unless it has coconut in/on it. I never had any stupid toys. I don't like the quote. I like the meal. Pass on the drink and wine. I also like Roy's meal.

I've been to Portugal, but not Funchal.

 

It's chilly this AM, with an occasional ray of sunshine. We got sleet yesterday, then rain, which has finally stopped. I'm continuing to try to get the house company ready. Lots of stuff to take down to the basement, which is tough on my knees. I finally brought the wrapping paper downstairs, and once the DR table is cleared off, I'll start to wrap presents for BFF.

 

@RedneckBob Enjoy HMC today.

@grapau27 Thanks for the Madeira photos.

@summer slope Fingers crossed for a negative test.

@dfish I can't blame Sue for wanting to be done. Thanks for today's recipes.

@Heartgrove Nice photos, thanks.

@lindaler Safe travels and Bon Voyage tomorrow!

@HAL Sailer I'm glad you made it home safely! Sorry to hear of DH's confusion, but I'm sure being in a different place each day contributed. With my Mother's dementia, I got her to fly once to come here for a medical evaluation, even though she'd never flown when she was lucid due to fear of flying.

@ottahand7 I'm glad you got your new furnace before the bad weather. Sorry the weather may affect your party attendance.

@StLouisCruisers Interesting to hear the stair climbing helped your knee; it makes mine worse. Sorry about the back pain keeping you from sleeping well. Great Funchal pictures and nice picture of you two!

@0106 Thanks for the photos. That Funchal Farmer's market is impressive.

@Quartzsite Cruiser Lovely Funchal photos.

@Cruzin Terri Good to hear you're enjoying the cruise.

@smitty34877 Good news that you're likely still on for Monday's surgery!

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers for the Celebration List.

Stay safe everyone.

 

Edited December 16, 2022 by JazzyV

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info.

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Good morning from a very cloudy, windy and cold (for us) central Texas.  Depending on which thermometer we read, it's either 39F or 41F,  and with the north wind, it will seem colder.  The outside temperature on the control for the heat pump says it's 33F so the auxiliary heat is also on.   I think we need to have that thermometer checked as it's always several degrees different from the other two.  There's not much on the agenda, so I may try to tackle some of the mess stored in DH's shop.  A lot are boxes for the Christmas decorations that I did not want to haul back up in the attic, only to have to bring them down again after Christmas.  If asked, I call that being sensible not being lazy.  😁

 

Rich, @richwmn you had me at chocolate covered anything, except chocolate covered raisins.  I like the Day of Reconciliation, and it can be for reconciling anything.  I might have what is considered a stupid toy.  My father loved toys that would move and do things when turned on.  He gave me a pink pig that wiggles its snout and oinks.  

 

The quote is true, and a few times this fall going insane might have helped.  Fortunately, our regality has greatly improved, though there are times people might think I've gone insane for other reasons.  🤣

 

The meal sounds interesting, but I think I'll stick to thin crust pizza. We'll pass on the drink, and would give the wine a try if given the chance.

 

We have been to Funchal several times beginning in 2000 on P&O world cruise on Oriana.  I'll look up my pictures and post them in a few minutes.

 

@grapau27  Thank you for your great pictures.

@Seasick Sailor  Joy, I hope you have a great day in Aruba.

@dfish  Debbie, it's the baking, not cleaning up the mess that can wear you out.  😉

@Heartgrove  Jack, I enjoyed seeing your pictures.

@lindaler  Linda, have a safe and uneventful flight, and a great cruise starting tomorrow.

@HAL Sailer  Melisa, I'm glad you made it home safely and didn't run into any really bad weather.  I'm sorry the trip confused your DH.  Glad you will spend Christmas with DSIL, and sending positive thoughts that she is comfortable.

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, thank you for your pictures and for sharing the link.

 

Lenda

Thank you Lenda.

[kochleffel]

The synagogue announced a little while ago that services tonight and tomorrow morning will be Zoom only. This surprises me, because the roads are completely passable.

 

I'm trying to make up my mind about a 5-day cruise to Bermuda, from New York, at the beginning of February. It's in place of the New Orleans cruise that I cancelled, from which I have a credit for the deposit, and because otherwise I will likely retire with unused vacation. I tried to book it last night, but "something went wrong" on the website. This morning I'm having doubts: will it be a party cruise? (Probably not even though it's just five days, considering that young singles don't go to Bermuda--on my Bermuda Triangle cruise last year, the few young people were newlyweds.) I would be less hesitant if the Met Opera had a performance the night before embarkation.

[sailingdutchy]

 

 

Thank you all for the very nice pictures of Funchal , we have explored the Island with the same wonderful guide and friend Daniel Freitas in a small group of 7 or 8  about 5 times and have been from the Eastern tip near Machico all the way to the North Western town of Porto Moniz .

 

The nature of the Island with all of its exotic flora is just amazing very green and I believe the only place in Europe  that grows lots of bananas . The four times we have been there we went to different areas so I have lots of pictures but will try to keep it to a  "minimum " on this post .

 

Some of our favorite places to visit were , the Mercado in Funchal , Porto Moniz , Santana , Sao Vicente  , Machico and Camara de Lobos  ( and on the way back to the ship don't forget to have a few sips of the special Madeira drink Poncha and visit the Henriques & Henriques Madeira winery ) 

 

Tony 😀

 

 

 

Our friend and best guide on Madeira , Daniel Freitas ! 

 

 

 

 

 

On the glass walkway high above the cliff

 

 

 

They say these babies taste delicious , I have to get over those teeth first before I try them 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The special drink in Madeira ,  Poncha ......

 

 

At the end of our tours we have done the Madeira wine tastings with Daniel at Henriques & Henriques  !

 

 

And we bought some plus a bottle for Daniel's wife Eusebia 

 

 

Hope I did not praise Daniel too much otherwise he will be too busy when we get there next time .............

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

Eva, when we leave for the winter in Arizona, we turn the water off at the meter, drain the pressure out of the lines and leave the cabinet doors under the sinks open.  

 

I looked through my pictures from our 2017 visit to Funchal on Prinsendam.  With a little work, some of the ones on the other side of the island are now decent enough to share.  Quite a few were taken from the car, so please forgive the pictures of the dashboard.

 

This was taken as we headed toward the north shore of Madeira.  On the way, we took the main road that traveled through several tunnels.

 

These pictures were taken along the coast road between Sao Vincente and Seixal.

 

 

The next few were taken in the area of  Porto Moniz at the northwestern tip of the island.

 

This island is just off the coast at Porto Moniz, and if you look carefully at the top, there is a navigational light powered by solar panels.

 

These rock formations were just off shore at Riberia da Janela.

 

 

The town of Seixal

 

Going back across the island, we took the scenic road that goes over the mountains.  We passed this vineyard.

 

Views from the lookout point at the top of a pass.

 

Looking down at the road we would be traveling back to Funchal.

 

A few pictures of Funchal

 

We drove up a valley on the other side to the main area of Funchal.  We took a couple of pictures of this bridge, but weren't planning on crossing it.  Somehow, we managed to get on the road that took the bridge across the valley.  It was scarier looking up at it than driving across it.

 

 

Lenda

 

Nice to see parts of Madeira we have never been to Lenda.

We have always stayed in Funchal.

Graham 

[bennybear]

Good morning and thanks all!   Really enjoying all the lovely photos of Madeira!   
I am with Lenda,  on the quote!  Sigh!  I would love a boring at least medically life!  Nature helps keep me sane. 

I’m still concerned about DS as this is his second Covid infection.  Fingers crossed as he’s been vaccinated and boosted.  It will be five days since we were exposed so hopefully we’re ok.  
@StLouisCruisers glad the stairs helped,  strange!  When I had the cyst I wasn’t allowed to use them by the ships doctor.  
@smitty34877great news you have clearance!  Praying all goes well and you are soon on the road to recovery! 

Edited December 16, 2022 by bennybear

[summer slope]

We are both negative and cleared for travel. DH has a certificate stating he is clear. 

[kochleffel]

Several posts have mentioned Daniel's Madeira Taxis. If you've had a tour with them, could you say which tour it was? The list of those currently offered, other than custom tours, is at https://danielmadeirataxis.com/tours-excursions/.

[erewhon]

Thank you for posting the loctions of the Holland America Line Fleet.

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!  It's a bright, sunny day here in the PNW.  32F a little after 10 am.

There has been a change of plan for us.  The grandsons won't be spending the night tonight 😞  I'm relieved and sad all at the same time.  Their Dad is staying home today from the clinic because he has a cough -- and so he and DD won't be going out tonight.  DD gave me the choice of getting more rest (which I need) and we'll have a make-up overnight sometime next week.  So instead we'll bring them the cookies tomorrow and get some much-needed hugs.  Haven't seen them in a month.  Lenda @Quartzsite CruiserI'll see if they want me to wait on decorating the tree, there really is no hurry and they could do it next week if they want.

 

Yesterday I got out of the house for the first time in over 2 weeks, I walked down to the mail box. 😂 I also had a long visit with my neighbor (the one whose house had a tree fall on it).  She was here to pick up a few things.  Her ordeal has been a nightmare, her insurance company has treated her dismally.  When this is over, she and all her family are going to switch from Farmers to USAA.  Work hasn't even begun on her house, because Farmers is quibbling over every penny.  The estimate is $52,000.  They have finally given her $36,000 total so far, and yet they are paying over $4,000/month for her to live in a rental for 6 months.  Outrageous.  She wishes they would put that money into her repairs.  

 

Terry @smitty34877that's great that you're 99% set for surgery on Monday!

@RedneckBoband Sandi @StLouisCruisersI do hope you all can meet up today -- we want photos!

@lindalerSafe travels and Bon Voyage!

 

 

[XBGuy]

Adding to the significance of the day, it is also the 252nd anniversary of German piano player Ludwig van Beethoven.  

 

How many of these melodies do you recognize?

[AncientWanderer]

Good afternoon all.  The photos of Madeira are wonderful. What a lovely place!  That is a must-do.

 

Speaking of must-do's, I'm healthy and good to go now, so it's catch-up time for all the holiday stuff.  Today DH and I are heading out to finish shopping for gifts; then I'll bake this evening.  Lots to do!

 

So glad to see that @smitty34877Terry's surgery is close to set.  That is good news today.  Also lovely to see so many getting out there at sea for the holidays.  I don't remember so much December activity on CC before.  Maybe I just wasn't paying attention.  The Koningsdam will be jam packed with CC'ers.   

 

Thanks all for the contributions to the Daily.  Those experiencing tough times, you are in our hearts.  ❤️

[jimgev]

Madeira was a wonderful port stop on our TA this past November on the Oosterdam.. Thanks so much for all who posted photos. They brought back so many happy memories.

[Copper10-8]

8 hours ago, richwmn said:

 

Today is .........................., National Chocolate Covered Anything Day.......................

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good afternoon from a still cool, 46F with a strong north wind, central Texas.  I finally got caught up on the office type stuff, along with sending the email Christmas greetings, and now will be heading to try to declutter DH's shop.

 

We had a weird thing happen yesterday.  I used DH's keys for the car I normally drive, since mine were lost in my purse.  They've since been found.  That's when we discovered the remote locking/unlocking buttons did not work.  DH tried replacing the battery with several different ones.  It turns out it wasn't the battery, but when we replaced the car battery, the key lost it's sync with the car since I'd driven it to get the new battery.   We now have it synced with the car.

 

4 hours ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Good Friday morning.

The internet is pathetic.

Hope to post tomorrow from Miami on our turnaround day.

Other from the internet the cruise has been great so far.

Have a good day everyone.

God Bless,

Terri

 

Terri, sorry about the internet, but glad the cruise has been great.

 

4 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

Hello.I am 99% sure the hip surgery will go ahead monday.I am seeing the hematologist this afternoon.The blood issue dictated the type of anesthesia  and that has been okayed by all parties.Phew.

Will catch up later.

 

Terry, I'm glad you are good to go with the surgery Monday, or at least, 99% good to go.  Good luck with the hematologist this afternoon.

 

3 hours ago, JazzyV said:

Good afternoon. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily.

I'll salute Day of Reconciliation. Love most anything chocolate covered, unless it has coconut in/on it. I never had any stupid toys. I don't like the quote. I like the meal. Pass on the drink and wine. I also like Roy's meal.

I've been to Portugal, but not Funchal.

 

It's chilly this AM, with an occasional ray of sunshine. We got sleet yesterday, then rain, which has finally stopped. I'm continuing to try to get the house company ready. Lots of stuff to take down to the basement, which is tough on my knees. I finally brought the wrapping paper downstairs, and once the DR table is cleared off, I'll start to wrap presents for BFF.

 

@RedneckBob Enjoy HMC today.

@grapau27 Thanks for the Madeira photos.

@summer slope Fingers crossed for a negative test.

@dfish I can't blame Sue for wanting to be done. Thanks for today's recipes.

@Heartgrove Nice photos, thanks.

@lindaler Safe travels and Bon Voyage tomorrow!

@HAL Sailer I'm glad you made it home safely! Sorry to hear of DH's confusion, but I'm sure being in a different place each day contributed. With my Mother's dementia, I got her to fly once to come here for a medical evaluation, even though she'd never flown when she was lucid due to fear of flying.

@ottahand7 I'm glad you got your new furnace before the bad weather. Sorry the weather may affect your party attendance.

@StLouisCruisers Interesting to hear the stair climbing helped your knee; it makes mine worse. Sorry about the back pain keeping you from sleeping well. Great Funchal pictures and nice picture of you two!

@0106 Thanks for the photos. That Funchal Farmer's market is impressive.

@Quartzsite Cruiser Lovely Funchal photos.

@Cruzin Terri Good to hear you're enjoying the cruise.

@smitty34877 Good news that you're likely still on for Monday's surgery!

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers for the Celebration List.

Stay safe everyone.

 

 

Vanessa, I'm glad you liked the pictures of Funchal.  Try to book a cruise that stops there as it's a very interesting island to visit.

 

2 hours ago, kochleffel said:

The synagogue announced a little while ago that services tonight and tomorrow morning will be Zoom only. This surprises me, because the roads are completely passable.

 

I'm trying to make up my mind about a 5-day cruise to Bermuda, from New York, at the beginning of February. It's in place of the New Orleans cruise that I cancelled, from which I have a credit for the deposit, and because otherwise I will likely retire with unused vacation. I tried to book it last night, but "something went wrong" on the website. This morning I'm having doubts: will it be a party cruise? (Probably not even though it's just five days, considering that young singles don't go to Bermuda--on my Bermuda Triangle cruise last year, the few young people were newlyweds.) I would be less hesitant if the Met Opera had a performance the night before embarkation.

 

I say take the cruise.  If it turns out to be a party cruise, you can stand it for five days.  Our fathers both told us to travel while we were young and healthy, and that was the best advice they gave us.

 

2 hours ago, sailingdutchy said:

 

 

Thank you all for the very nice pictures of Funchal , we have explored the Island with the same wonderful guide and friend Daniel Freitas in a small group of 7 or 8  about 5 times and have been from the Eastern tip near Machico all the way to the North Western town of Porto Moniz .

 

The nature of the Island with all of its exotic flora is just amazing very green and I believe the only place in Europe  that grows lots of bananas . The four times we have been there we went to different areas so I have lots of pictures but will try to keep it to a  "minimum " on this post .

 

Some of our favorite places to visit were , the Mercado in Funchal , Porto Moniz , Santana , Sao Vicente  , Machico and Camara de Lobos  ( and on the way back to the ship don't forget to have a few sips of the special Madeira drink Poncha and visit the Henriques & Henriques Madeira winery ) 

 

Tony 😀

 

 

 

Our friend and best guide on Madeira , Daniel Freitas ! 

 

 

 

 

 

On the glass walkway high above the cliff

 

 

 

They say these babies taste delicious , I have to get over those teeth first before I try them 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The special drink in Madeira ,  Poncha ......

 

 

At the end of our tours we have done the Madeira wine tastings with Daniel at Henriques & Henriques  !

 

 

And we bought some plus a bottle for Daniel's wife Eusebia 

 

 

Hope I did not praise Daniel too much otherwise he will be too busy when we get there next time .............

 

Tony, thanks for your pictures.  It's always nice to see places we missed in the various ports.

 

2 hours ago, bennybear said:

Good morning and thanks all!   Really enjoying all the lovely photos of Madeira!   
I am with Lenda,  on the quote!  Sigh!  I would love a boring at least medically life!  Nature helps keep me sane. 

I’m still concerned about DS as this is his second Covid infection.  Fingers crossed as he’s been vaccinated and boosted.  It will be five days since we were exposed so hopefully we’re ok.  
@StLouisCruisers glad the stairs helped,  strange!  When I had the cyst I wasn’t allowed to use them by the ships doctor.  
@smitty34877great news you have clearance!  Praying all goes well and you are soon on the road to recovery! 

 

Brenda, I hope your DS is doing all right and has a mild case.  I hope you both do not get it.

 

2 hours ago, summer slope said:

We are both negative and cleared for travel. DH has a certificate stating he is clear. 

 

Dixie, that is great news you are both negative and can travel.

 

2 hours ago, kochleffel said:

Several posts have mentioned Daniel's Madeira Taxis. If you've had a tour with them, could you say which tour it was? The list of those currently offered, other than custom tours, is at https://danielmadeirataxis.com/tours-excursions/.

 

Thanks for the link to the tours.  Some sound very interesting.

 

2 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Good morning all!  It's a bright, sunny day here in the PNW.  32F a little after 10 am.

There has been a change of plan for us.  The grandsons won't be spending the night tonight 😞  I'm relieved and sad all at the same time.  Their Dad is staying home today from the clinic because he has a cough -- and so he and DD won't be going out tonight.  DD gave me the choice of getting more rest (which I need) and we'll have a make-up overnight sometime next week.  So instead we'll bring them the cookies tomorrow and get some much-needed hugs.  Haven't seen them in a month.  Lenda @Quartzsite CruiserI'll see if they want me to wait on decorating the tree, there really is no hurry and they could do it next week if they want.

 

Yesterday I got out of the house for the first time in over 2 weeks, I walked down to the mail box. 😂 I also had a long visit with my neighbor (the one whose house had a tree fall on it).  She was here to pick up a few things.  Her ordeal has been a nightmare, her insurance company has treated her dismally.  When this is over, she and all her family are going to switch from Farmers to USAA.  Work hasn't even begun on her house, because Farmers is quibbling over every penny.  The estimate is $52,000.  They have finally given her $36,000 total so far, and yet they are paying over $4,000/month for her to live in a rental for 6 months.  Outrageous.  She wishes they would put that money into her repairs.  

 

Terry @smitty34877that's great that you're 99% set for surgery on Monday!

@RedneckBoband Sandi @StLouisCruisersI do hope you all can meet up today -- we want photos!

@lindalerSafe travels and Bon Voyage!

 

 

 

Carolyn, I'm sorry the tree trimming has been delayed because DSIL is sick.  Hope it's either allergies or a cold, not the dreaded covid or flu.  I know the DGSs will want to help with the tree next week.  Glad you could venture outside.  All I can say about your neighbor and the insurance company is YIKES!  😱  Sometimes, I wonder if it would be better to put the premiums in a special account so we'd have the money available and not have to fight the insurance company.

 

2 hours ago, XBGuy said:

Adding to the significance of the day, it is also the 252nd anniversary of German piano player Ludwig van Beethoven.  

 

How many of these melodies do you recognize?

 

That link was interesting, and I recognized three of the four.

 

1 hour ago, AncientWanderer said:

Good afternoon all.  The photos of Madeira are wonderful. What a lovely place!  That is a must-do.

 

Speaking of must-do's, I'm healthy and good to go now, so it's catch-up time for all the holiday stuff.  Today DH and I are heading out to finish shopping for gifts; then I'll bake this evening.  Lots to do!

 

So glad to see that @smitty34877Terry's surgery is close to set.  That is good news today.  Also lovely to see so many getting out there at sea for the holidays.  I don't remember so much December activity on CC before.  Maybe I just wasn't paying attention.  The Koningsdam will be jam packed with CC'ers.   

 

Thanks all for the contributions to the Daily.  Those experiencing tough times, you are in our hearts.  ❤️

 

Maxine, I'm glad you are back to normal and good to go.  Please don't over do when getting ready for Christmas.

 

Lenda

[marshhawk]

I'm pretty good with anything chocolate covered.  My biology teacher gave us chocolate covered ants in class once.  They were better than the crunchy fried grass hoppers.  My favorite are chocolate covered cherries, the kind with the liquid in them, not the gooey white cream.  An ex beau of mine gave me three boxes of chocolate covered cherries in creme de menthe.  They were wonderful.  He was not.  Along with the cherries, he gave me a coat that was three sizes too big and told me if I ate all that chocolate I was going to need a bigger coat.  I gave the coat to a fluffy friend, I ate the chocolate and I dumped him. It all worked out.

 

We will be at today's port of call next fall on the transatlantic for the Carnival Pride.  Hint, last time  I checked there were balcony and interiors left, but you couldn't pick what cabin you wanted, so I guess they are pretty full.  The cruise to Greece and Turkey no longer shows up.  Guess that one is sold out.

What a fantastic island!  Snow in the mountains, excellent gardens and fruits and veggies.  And fish!

DH and I want to try the saber fish.  

 

Its 4:47 and the sun is sinking into the west.  I want my longer days back!

 

Does anyone watch Ghosts?  Last night was one of the weirdest shows about love and passion in it's own very weird way.  I'm going to see if I can watch it again on Paramount tonight.

 

We have been stocking up on firewood, temps are going to go down into the low 30's, and the most recent scare, I mean weather news, is that even good ole Georgia will be part of a winter storm in a week.  I just wanted snow for Christmas, I didn't mean storm.  Just flurries.  It is impossible to get up our driveway when there is ice and snow.  But would rather have snow than ice.  We are surrounded by big pines.

 

Stay safe-Enjoy your surroundings!

 

[kazu]

Thanks for the TGIF Daily, Rich 🙂 

 

Great collection of days - LOL on stupid toys.  There’s some truth to today’s quote and the meal sounds good !

 

I’ve been to Madeira a number of times and just posted a slew of pics on my LIVE thread in November so I won’t repeat.

 

The day has slipped away from me somehow.  But, I’m proud of myself as I managed to get my snow boots and coat in my suitcase so I don’t have to lug them on board 😉 And, I really didn’t run out of coffee this morning 😉 

 

 

I have to say that the Westgate Hotel is a lovely place.  The staff are very courteous and kind, the food is delicious & the entertainment they had on the verandah last night was great!  Breakfast is fabulous as was happy hour yesterday.  I won’t burden you with too much as I will be posting on my LIVE thread but even if you don’t stay here, come for the Happy Hour and definitely get the charcuterie board.  

 

 

and the fish taco.

 

 

They were to die for.

 

5 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

Hello.I am 99% sure the hip surgery will go ahead monday.I am seeing the hematologist this afternoon.The blood issue dictated the type of anesthesia  and that has been okayed by all parties.Phew.

Will catch up later.

 

Yay - what great news - best of luck with your surgery 🙏 

 

 

3 hours ago, bennybear said:

I’m still concerned about DS as this is his second Covid infection.  Fingers crossed as he’s been vaccinated and boosted.  It will be five days since we were exposed so hopefully we’re ok.  

 

Oh dear on your son, Brenda.  I hope he is ok 🙏 Very glad to here that you are both ok 👍 

 

 

3 hours ago, summer slope said:

We are both negative and cleared for travel. DH has a certificate stating he is clear. 

 

Yay 🙂 Safe travels.

 

 

3 hours ago, kochleffel said:

Several posts have mentioned Daniel's Madeira Taxis. If you've had a tour with them, could you say which tour it was? The list of those currently offered, other than custom tours, is at https://danielmadeirataxis.com/tours-excursions/.

 

I have done a number of them.  Daniel created one the first year we did it because the weather was bad on the side of the island we were supposed to go.  He knows the island so well and shows so much - all of his guides that work with him are very good.  They have been with him for years and he trains them himself.  I believe I have done #6, 9, 7 and 10.  I’m unsure what the first one was.

 

 

 

Prayers for everyone on the Care list & for those that need them and a 🥂 to the Celebratory / Shout Out list.

 

 

Have a great Friday everyone and stay safe.

[Cruising-along]

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Carolyn, I'm sorry the tree trimming has been delayed because DSIL is sick.  Hope it's either allergies or a cold, not the dreaded covid or flu.  I know the DGSs will want to help with the tree next week.  Glad you could venture outside.  All I can say about your neighbor and the insurance company is YIKES!  😱  Sometimes, I wonder if it would be better to put the premiums in a special account so we'd have the money available and not have to fight the insurance company.

I hope he "just has a cold" too.  He's very good about Covid testing, since he's in the medical field, so if it's that, we'll know.  

I agree about the insurance company and I feel so badly for my neighbor.  She's lucky she has 2 sons who are helping her and fighting for what she deserves.  There are still 2 trees behind us that we worry about, so DH and I are putting out calls to have them taken down.  We don't want to wait on HOA any longer especially after seeing what our neighbor is going through.

 

Annie @marshhawkwe have watched Ghosts, it's good for a few giggles.  I don't think we've seen that episode though. My favorite "ghost" is Hetty.

Edited December 16, 2022 by Cruising-along

[kochleffel]

23 minutes ago, kazu said:

I believe I have done #6, 9, 7 and 10

 

Thank you.

 

[JazzyV]

Some people! The USMC's Toys for Tots storage area was broken into and bicycles stolen. Fortunately the community and some businesses have stepped up, and they now have more bikes than they originally had and will be able to gift them to more children.

 

@sailingdutchy Very nice Madeira photos, Tony.

@bennybear I hope DS's case remains mild.

@summer slope Woohoo on the negative tests!

@Cruising-along Good that you were able to get out of the house for a bit. I hope DSIL is ok. Sad to hear of your neighbor's battle with the insurance company; we pay all those premiums every year and then they're so stingy when we need them to help us.

@AncientWanderer Excellent news that you're feeling healthy now.

@kazu I'm glad you're enjoying your stay at the Westgate.

 

 

Edited December 16, 2022 by JazzyV

[Oceansaway17]

11 hours ago, grapau27 said:

During our B2B Canary Islands cruise we called at Madeira on the 21st and 27th November.

 

 

 

thanks very much for being a proud Brit who wears a shirt with USA on it.

It was in Madeira in 2019 on Celebrity Silhoutte

 

 

[erewhon]

Thanks for all the daily news, would prefer the alternative menu from  @rafinmd Roy.

  Appreciate all the photos of Madeira

@lindaler  Bon Voyage.

@grapau27  in your first photo, what is the statue commemorating?   Also, the other day you posted a photo of the dining table set for dinner, .did you post photos of the  food served during the meal?

@Quartzsite Cruiser  thank you for your excellent mutiquoting in post 67.

@smitty34877  am pleased that you have a date for surgery.

 

It's another foggy day, where is our summer?

Stay safe, take care everyone.

 

[Heartgrove]

9 hours ago, 0106 said:

I was lucky enough to visit the beautiful island of Madeira on the Oosterdam in November.  We took a “free” ship’s tour called Botanic Beauty.  I love our visit the Funchal Farmers market.

 

Black scabard fish being cleaned.  Too bad we didn’t get to taste them . I hear they are delicious.

 

 

 

Tina, thank you for reminding me by including the photo of the Black Scabbard fish! That is what they served on our excursion when we stopped at the restaurant for lunch. Amazing that they are deep sea creatures and live 600 to 5,600 feet below the surface. They come in last place for looks.  Extremely popular in Madeira and Portugal, it was delicious!

 

- Jack

 

Two views of the Cachalote Restaurant in Porto Moniz, Madeira.